On July 2, 2026, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned that more than 17 million people in nine northern states of Nigeria are affected by conflict and facing food conditions at crisis, emergency, or catastrophic famine levels. Hunger is particularly severe in the northeast, including Borno State, and of the roughly 6.2 million people experiencing food insecurity in the three northeastern states, WFP is only able to support 740,000.

The main reasons aid is not reaching everyone are the growing number of inaccessible areas and WFP’s funding shortfalls. Humanitarian assistance is being blocked by attacks from armed groups and illegal checkpoints. In addition, the suspension of food aid due to lack of funds is leading to increased exploitation and sexual violence against women and children, and some people are joining armed groups in search of food or income. WFP is concerned that hunger is forcing people into such limited and dangerous choices, and estimates it will need 89 million US dollars over the next six months.

The causes of hunger in the north include inflation driven by soaring fuel prices and conflict, as well as reduced agricultural production due to floods and droughts caused by climate change. However, the largest factor is the prolonged and widespread conflict in Nigeria.

Since the late 2000s, Islamist extremist groups have repeatedly carried out attacks in Nigeria. In recent years, groups known as “armed bandits” have engaged in kidnappings and used ransom payments to fund their activities. These armed groups
target farmers for attacks and impose illegal taxes. As a result, farmers are unable to continue farming.

The activities of extremist groups have intensified since 2025, and their area of operations has expanded. They are working not only within Nigeria but also in coordination with groups in neighboring countries. Because border control is lax and the reach of the state is limited,
they base themselves in forests and rural areas near the border regions.

Due to the violence by these armed groups, more than 3,600 people were killed in Nigeria in just the six months up to June 2026. Islamist armed groups, which reject Western-style education and attack Christianity, have also been targeted by US airstrikes under the pretext of countering them, yet the Nigerian government has not been able to implement effective measures against the worsening security situation and hunger in the country.

Learn more about Nigeria → “The ‘multi-layered violence’ afflicting Nigeria”

Learn more about hunger → “Food systems and global hunger”

WFP providing food, electronic food vouchers, and nutrition support in Borno State, Nigeria (2026). (Photo: ©️WFP/Arete/Khalid Hamza)